Summer activities for kids in Southwest Michigan

With your kids home for the summer, the days ahead are sure to bring lots of laughter and creativity. But after you’ve made your way through every board game, exhausted your stash of sidewalk chalk and wrapped up your last science experiment, there is a good chance you will hear, “I’m bored.”

Instead of scrambling for last-minute ideas or searching the internet for something new, plan a day (or a few!) in Southwest Michigan. From children’s summer camps to interactive art classes to outdoor adventures, this region offers countless opportunities for your young learners and explorers to stay engaged all season long. Whether you're planning a full week of fun or looking for a quick day trip with kids in Southwest Michigan, we’ve got your boredom busters covered.

Play at the Beach

Grab takeout from a downtown St. Joseph restaurant or pack picnic favorites from a local market, then head to one of our beautiful beaches for a day of sunshine, sand and family fun. 

Silver Beach County Park | St. Joseph

Silver Beach County Park, named the #3 beach in Michigan by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and one of the best family beaches in the U.S. by Parents Magazine, it is always a top pick. You can easily stay here all day, and it has lifeguards, which give parents added peace of mind. Besides swimming, you can paddleboard, skimboard and relax on floaties for hours. There’s a new accessible playground for sliding, climbing, swinging and zip lining. Other favorite pastimes are beach volleyball, building castles in the soft sand, kite flying or walking out to the South Pier to fish, watch boats and Great Lakes freighters or photograph the North Pier lighthouses. 

Walkways throughout the park are barrier-free and take you to the concession stand and restrooms. They also connect you to the wheelchair-accessible Whirlpool Compass Fountain, Silver Beach Carousel and Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone and to the bluff ramp that takes you downtown to more fun spots. Beachgoers can also request one of the park’s two beach wheelchairs.

When you catch whiffs of the mouthwatering aromas wafting from Silver Beach Pizza, you will know where the family is going for lunch or dinner. It is repeatedly voted the Best Pizza in Southwest Michigan. So, if the wait for a table is too long for your hungry kids, get takeout.

More family-favorite beaches

Check out these beaches and enjoy the golden sand, shade trees or rock-collecting stretches along the water. If you can stay longer, try a new one each day.

• Lions Park Beach | St. Joseph
• Tiscornia Beach Park | St. Joseph
• Jean Klock Park | Benton Harbor
• Rocky Gap Park | Benton Harbor 
• Weko Beach | Bridgman 
• Warren Dunes State Park | Sawyer
• New Buffalo City Beach | New Buffalo  

Stick around for a sunset at any of our Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches. It’s a daily ritual in Southwest Michigan to watch with awe as the horizon ignites into a blaze of brilliant colors. Keep your camera ready!

Try New Thrills at Third Coast Beach Camps

Sign up now! Experienced instructors guide kids through safe, exciting beach activities like surfing, paddleboarding, skimboarding, beach games and swimming. Camps are open to children ages 6–12, as well as 5-year-olds who have an older sibling attending, they listen well and have prior swimming experience. These engaging camps are held at New Buffalo Beach and Jean Klock Park, with morning sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and afternoon sessions from 1 to 4 p.m. A five-day camp costs $230 per child. Enroll your child in this fun-filled day camp and they will return with new skills and plenty of beach-ready confidence!

Ride the Magical Silver Beach Carousel

Step into St. Joseph’s playful past with a visit to the Silver Beach Carousel. Learn about the historic Silver Beach Amusement Park and then hop aboard one of 48 hand-carved figures, including a raptor, rooster, tiger, bear, clown fish and more. Two beautifully crafted chariots are also available, including one that is wheelchair accessible. You’ll spin beneath a canopy of twinkling lights while the band organ fills the air with joyful tunes. Before you leave, stop by the Brass Ring Gift Shop for a keepsake and grab a sweet treat from the Refreshment Stand. Check the Carousel’s website for current hours, pricing and upcoming events — it’s the happiest place in Southwest Michigan!

Delight in Splash Pad Giggles

The Whirlpool Compass Fountain is the perfect spot for kids (and kids at heart) to play, cool off and burn some energy! Featuring eight water cannons and 28 jets, this 150-foot splash pad sends refreshing sprays of water into the air, weather permitting, from early May through late September. Wear clothes that can get soaked and don’t forget a towel — everyone in your group will be tempted to jump, run and splash for hours. New bathrooms and shade umbrellas make it even easier to relax and enjoy the fun all day long. Here are some more splash pads in Southwest Michigan. 

Spark Curiosity at Curious Kids’ Museum and Discovery Zone

Families with toddlers to pre-teens rave about these two small, but fun-packed hands-on children’s museums: Curious Kids’ Museum and Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone. They are ideal fun spots for a break from the sun or an escape from rain showers. Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone is part of the Silver Beach Center that also houses the Silver Beach Carousel.

Inspire Creativity at Water Street Glassworks 

If you and your teen are looking for something to do together, take one of the Water Street Glassworks classes in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Guided by studio instructors, you can explore techniques like glassblowing, mosaics, stained glass, fused glass, bead making, flameworking and jewelry-making. All supplies, tools and safety equipment are provided. Classes are open to adults and teenagers, though age minimums apply for certain mediums.

Get All Aboard at Eden Springs Park

Show your family how timeless fun is at this former House of David amusement park. While most of the rides and activities are slowly being restored, the miniature train rides delight all ages on Saturdays and Sundays from July 4 to Labor Day. In 1908, the founders purchased the quarter-scale Cagney Engine #7 and it’s still whistling and pulling railroad cars through the park along with an electric engine. There’s a refreshment stand and a Vintage Car Show in August.

Go Back in Time at Courthouse Square

Keep your kids engaged while exploring one of Berrien County’s most historic sites. The Berrien County Historical Association welcomes families to discover how the lumber industries helped shape the region through fascinating exhibits and hands-on learning. Located at the History Center at Courthouse Square, the campus features the restored 1839 County Courthouse, Murdoch Log Cabin, Sheriff’s Residence, Records Building and Bennett’s Forge. With rotating exhibits, kid-friendly programs and exciting events, there’s something for every history lover to enjoy.

Two engaging Story Trails await young history lovers at the museum. From May 1 to July 13, follow The Curious Polka-Dot Present by local author Cheri Hallwood, a heartwarming tale of a grandmother’s special gift. Then, from July 16 to September 28, explore Bold Boys in Michigan History and Great Girls in Michigan History, featuring inspiring figures like Simon Pokagon and Anna Howard Shaw. Story Trails are located in all four buildings and are included with paid admission.

Walk Inside a 100+-Year-Old Lighthouse

The North Pier Inner and Outer Lighthouses are classic summer photo ops. But now you can give your kids the rare chance to tour the iconic Inner Light. On Saturdays during the summer (weather permitting), go inside the first floor at no cost or buy a ticket to climb to the top for the most amazing views.

Explore Summer’s Beauty at Nature Centers, Gardens and Our Dark Sky Park

Find summer’s serenity and spirit-refreshing beauty at Southwest Michigan’s nature centers and gardens. These scenic spots are perfect for curious kids who love to move, spy wildlife and listen to croaking frogs and the cheerful playlists of songbirds. Bring your family for nature encounters here: 

Sarett Nature Center | Benton Harbor 

Hike boardwalks over wetlands and to treetop high overlooks of the woods and Paw Paw River; marvel at seeing rescued wildlife up close or walk amid fluttering butterflies in the Butterfly House. Let your kids immerse in nature at day and week camps.

Love Creek County Park & Nature Center | Berrien Center 

Hike or mountain bike through a variety of habitats; be spellbound at the wildlife observation window; adult and youth mountain bike rentals are available.

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve | Niles 

Explore nature trails and flower-filled gardens on foot; discover the mystical railroad garden and enter the secret garden; listen to the soothing splash of the water wheel; imagine being a pioneer in the prairie grasses and engage in ecological learning at summer day camps.

Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park | International Dark Sky Park | Vandalia  

Stargaze on select nights; it is mesmerizing how many stars, planets, meteors and nebulae you will see.

Hand-pick Delicious Fruits and Vegetables

Do your children know where the colorful foods in the grocery store bins come from? Show them this summer! 

Southwest Michigan is renowned in the U.S.A. for the abundance of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers that grow in our orchards, vineyards and fields. Many of our farming families warmly welcome you to pick your favorites fresh from their trees, bushes and gardens or to gather up just-picked choices at their markets. One bite from a juicy, sun-ripened strawberry, cherry, peach, blueberry or apple makes even the pickiest eater beg for more!

For the best time to come for your top picks, see the harvest calendar in this guide.

Chase Away Boredom with Energetic Adventures

The Woods Fitness Park | Benton Harbor

This 40-acre outdoor adventure zone is surrounded by tree-lined trails and packed with energy-burning fun. With over 60 obstacles — from monkey bars and rope climbs to tunnels and climbing walls — kids (and grown-ups) can jump, run, swing and crawl through the course. For younger visitors, the Kid Zone offers a climbing dome, child-sized obstacles and classic lawn games like cornhole, Ladder Ball and Connect 4. In the summer, kids can join fitness boot camps that blend exercise with play and social time. With picnic tables and a grill available, it’s easy to pack a lunch and spend the day exploring.

Hidden Pointe Fun Park | Benton Harbor

For higher-energy action, head to Hidden Pointe Fun Park, where kids can show off their putting skills on the themed mini-golf course, race on go-kart tracks or compete in the batting cages. With classic carnival games, an arcade room and concessions, it’s a great stop for family entertainment that fits every interest and age.

Captain Mike’s Family Fun Park | Bridgman

Another family favorite is Captain Mike’s Family Fun Park, a thrill-packed destination full of junior and big-kid go-karts, bumper cars, boats with water cannons, jumpshot basketball, batting cages and a game room. Refuel at The Captain’s Galley snack bar between attractions and choose from unlimited ride packages or pay-as-you-go options. However you spend your time, one thing is for sure, your kids will be ready for a good night’s sleep after all that fun.

Lake Arvesta Farms | South Haven

Lake Arvesta Farms delivers nonstop excitement with activities like floating obstacle courses, cable wakeboarding, giant water slides, kayaking, paddleboarding and pickleball. Families can also enjoy a round of disc golf or try out the newly opened 18-hole miniature golf course. Lifeguards are on duty and life jackets are provided. That means parents can feel confident letting kids splash and play or they can join in the fun! 

When it's time to recharge, grab snacks at The Trough Concession Stand or enjoy a sit-down meal at the Fire Water Bar & Grill. Between live music, yard games and relaxing patio views, there is something to entertain everyone.

Stories and STEM Activities at Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library

This summer, the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library in downtown St. Joseph is bursting with boredom busters for kids and teens alike! Younger children can enjoy lively story times, hands-on art, a puppet show, a bubble dance party and a visit from Curious Kids’ Museum and Sarett Nature Center’s Wildlife Wonders. Meanwhile, teens can dive into movie nights, crafting events, chess or Scrabble games, Anime and a Teen Lock-In. Plus, the library’s summer reading programs for children, tweens and teens keep everyone motivated to explore new stories all season long.

Earn Prizes Doing Three Challenges

Looking for a fun way to keep your kids engaged this summer, and maybe even earn a prize or two along the way? Southwest Michigan offers three exciting, family-friendly challenges: the Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge, Creative Connections Challenge and Murals Challenge. You can play them today by downloading the FREE Visit Southwest Michigan app from the App Store or Google Play. 

Love the outdoors? The Trails Challenge is an easy way to explore some of the region’s most scenic trails while staying active as a family. Simply visit five participating trails, snap a selfie at each trailhead and upload your photos in the app. Complete the challenge and earn this year’s prize.

Prefer art, music, theater or museums? Join the Creative Connections Challenge, where you check in at local cultural spots like galleries, theaters and history centers. You will work your way toward earning fun prizes. The more check-in codes you collect, the more prize levels you can complete. 

Ready for a Southwest Michigan murals hunt? Throughout our communities, artists have turned building walls and streets into canvases to tell our colorful local stories — some are whimsical, others historical, inspirational or puzzling. They beg you to stand before them and take a photo — it’s exactly what we hope you do! Using the app, check-in at 10 murals by snapping your family photo in front of each one. Be serious or silly, but just have fun! 

Indoor Entertainment on Rainy Days

Are you looking for backup plans on rainy days? Southwest Michigan keeps the good times rolling indoors.  

• Bee Crafty | Paint pottery or canvas | Niles
• The Garden Ice Arena | Skating, bumper cars and parties | St. Joseph
• JLN Studio Creative Art Studio | Classes & summer camps | Stevensville 
• The Little Things Play Café | Toddler play area | St. Joseph
• Nardo’s Pizza | Arcade games | St. Joseph
• Peat’s Cider Social | Bowling, summer bowling camp & arcade games | Stevensville
• Slackers Family Fun Center & Laser Tag | Bounce houses, arcade games, laser tag  & more | St. Joseph

Plan a Fun-Filled Summer for the Whole Family!

When you’re here, be sure to check the Southwest Michigan events calendar. Throughout the area, you will find summer festivals, art fairs and live music performances that add even more magic to the already enchanting lakeshore atmosphere.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning to stay longer, Southwest Michigan is full of unforgettable ways to keep your kids happy, active and inspired all summer-long. Spend your days shopping and exploring our charming towns along our Lake Michigan coast. Buy beach toys, books, ice cream or souvenirs to remember your trip. Find restaurants that serve kid-favorite foods. And don’t rush back home. Book a room with the amenities and rates you want. When you wake up tomorrow, you will find more ways to create the best summer memories.